Milan chief rules out striker swap deal

Adriano Galliani has dismissed speculation that Manchester City and AC Milan could be set to swap strikers Mario Balotelli and Stephan El Shaarawy.

The Rossoneri vice-president was asked about reports - which began in the English press – linking the 20-year-old forward with a move to the Premier League. But Galliani was in no mood to entertain the idea of losing a player who currently leads Serie A scoring charts with eight goals.

He told a press conference: "Enough of this talk. He has a contract until 2017 and soon he will sign an extension until 2018. El Shaarawy is an enchanting player."

However, the Milan official then made a comment about Balotelli which is sure to see speculation continue.

Galliani added: "It is true, I love him madly, even if it can also be said that not every love in life can have a happy ending…"